Members of a tour climb a ladder aboard the Battleship Texas. Submitted photo

Participants will be able to see areas of the ship rarely seen by the public. Featured highlights of the tours include the ammo handling room, aft steering, drying room, boiler room, main radio room, plotting room, forward dynamo room, forward power distribution room, central station, no. 3 turret and the pilot house.

Participants need to bring a flashlight or headlamp, comfortable clothes and rubber-soled deck shoes; cameras are allowed on the trip. Hard hats are provided and water will be available along the tour route during breaks. A limited amount of tours are open to anyone 13 and older by reservation only, at four different time slots: 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and 1 and 3 p.m. Promptness is required, as start times are strictly observed.

A minimum donation of $30 per person — cash or check only — will be collected, designated “to help ensure that the important cultural resources of this state will be here for future generations to enjoy,” Battleship Texas brochures state. Tours are by reservation only; those wishing to take part are urged to call soon, as available slots fill quickly.

The Battleship Texas is located 22 miles east of downtown Houston. From Inter-state 610 east, take Texas 225 east for 11 miles to Texas 134 (Battleground Road), continue north about 3 miles to the park. Or take I-10 east to Lynchburg Road, go south 2 miles to ride the free Lynch-burg Ferry. Once across the Houston Ship Channel, it will be a short drive on Texas 134 to the park.

For details, call Barbara at (281) 479-2431 ext. 234.